Direct heat-sensitive recording method and device

ABSTRACT

A direct heat-sensitive recording method and device using a light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording material in which are layered on a support a heat-sensitive recording layer and at least one light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layer, which have heat recording sensitivities higher than a heat recording sensitivity of the heat-sensitive recording layer and which are fixed by electromagnetic waves of respectively different wavelengths, each layer of the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording material developing to a respectively different color, including: an exposing device for deactivating imagewise each of the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layers corresponding to respective colors by modulating light amounts of electromagnetic waves having respectively different wavelengths and illuminating the electromagnetic waves onto the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layer; and a heat recording device for developing the heat-sensitive recording layer imagewise and developing undeactivated portions of the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layer by applying to the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording material heat energy needed to develop the heat-sensitive recording layer. High-speed recording of images onto a recording material is made possible, and the device can be made compact and inexpensive.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. 1. Field of the Invention

2. The present invention relates to a direct heat-sensitive recordingmethod and device using a light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recordingmaterial.

3. 2. Description of the Related Art

4. In heat recording, there is a heat transfer recording method and aheat-sensitive recording method. As compared with the heat transferrecording method, the heat-sensitive recording method is advantageous inthat waste matter is not generated and the running costs are low. Inorder to carry out full color recording by using the heat-sensitiverecording method, the three colors of yellow, magenta and cyan must berecorded independently. For example, there is a method in whichheat-sensitive recording layers, which develop to different colors andhave different heat recording sensitivities, are layered one upon theother, and the colors thereof are respectively formed by the magnitudesof the heat. However, in this case, when the second color is recorded,the first color is formed. Therefore, a drawback arises in that it isnot possible to form only the second color, and only the third color.

5. In order to overcome this drawback, a heat-sensitive recording methodhas been proposed which makes independent recording of the three colorspossible by the introduction of a fixing process which is such that,when the second color is recorded, the first color is not formed, andwhen the third color is recorded, the second color is not formed.

6. As illustrated in FIG. 18, an image recording device 1 which effectsfull color recording in accordance with this method includes guiderollers 5 for guiding a color heat-sensitive recording material(“recording material”) 3 to a recording section, a thermal head 7 and aplaten roller 9 which are provided at the recording section, a pinchroller 11 and a capstan roller 13 which convey the recording material 3in forward and reverse directions, and two fluorescent lamps 15 a, 15 bfor exposure at different wavelengths (420 nm, 365 nm).

7. The processes of the full color recording carried out by the imagerecording device 1 are described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 19and 20. First, a yellow layer 17 of the supplied recording material 3 isdeveloped (the color thereof is formed) by a low-energy amount of heatcorresponding to recording information for the yellow layer 17.Thereafter, while the recording material 3 is conveyed in the reversedirection, the yellow layer 17 is light-fixed by ultraviolet light of420 nm.

8. Next, while the recording material 3 is being conveyed in the forwarddirection again, the magenta layer 19 is developed by a medium-energyamount of heat corresponding to recording information for the magentalayer 19. Thereafter, while the recording material 3 is again conveyedin the reverse direction, the magenta layer 19 is light-fixed byultraviolet light of 365 nm.

9. Finally, while the recording material 3 is again being conveyed inthe forward direction, the cyan layer 21 is developed by a high-energyamount of heat corresponding to recording information for the cyan layer21. The recording of three independent colors, i.e., full colorrecording, is thus completed.

10.FIG. 21 illustrates another image recording device 23. In thisstructure, three thermal heads 25 a, 25 b, 25 c, which supplylow-energy, medium-energy, and high-energy amounts of heat respectively,are disposed in order along the feeding direction of the recordingmaterial 3. A fluorescent lamp 27 a of 420 nm is disposed between thelow-temperature thermal head 25 a and the medium-temperature thermalhead 25 b. A fluorescent lamp 27 b of 365 nm is disposed between themedium-temperature thermal head 25 b and the high-temperature thermalhead 25 c.

11. The processes of the full color recording carried out by this imagerecording device 23 are as follows, as illustrated in FIG. 22. First,the yellow layer 17 of the supplied recording material 3 is developed bythe low-temperature thermal head 25 a. Immediately thereafter, theyellow layer 17 is light-fixed by the ultraviolet light of 420 nm. Next,the magenta layer 19 is developed by the medium-temperature thermal head25 b. Immediately thereafter, the magenta layer 19 is light-fixed by theultraviolet light of 365 nm. Finally, the cyan layer 21 is developed bythe high-temperature thermal head 25 c. Thus, the full color recordingof the recording material 3 is completed by conveying the recordingmaterial 3 one time in the feeding direction thereof.

12. However, in the image recording device 1 illustrated in FIG. 18, therecording material 3 which has been conveyed once must be conveyed inthe reverse direction, so as to pass by the thermal head 7 three times.Therefore, a drawback arises in that an image cannot be recorded on therecording material at high speed. Further, in the image recording device1, because the number of times the recording material 3 contacts thethermal head 7 is large, it is easy for the recording material 3 to bedamaged or for portions of the recording material to not develop due todirt or the like adhering thereto. Further, because the recordingmaterial 3 is conveyed plural times, there is also the problem of theregistration shifting greatly.

13. Moreover, in the image recording device 23 illustrated in FIG. 21,although recording is completed by the recording material 3 beingconveyed one time in the feeding direction, it is necessary to providethe three thermal heads 25 a, 25 b, 25 c. Drawbacks arise in that thecost of the device increases, and the device becomes large. Further, inthe image recording device 23, another drawback arises in that, becausecolor formation by the low-temperature thermal head 25 a is startedafter the leading end of the recording material 3 has reached the pinchroller 11, the blank space before recording begins is large.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

14. In view of the aforementioned, an object of the present invention isto provide a direct heat-sensitive recording method and device using alight-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording material, which device andmethod enable high-speed recording of an image onto a recordingmaterial, and in which the structure of the device is compact andinexpensive.

15. In order to achieve the above-described object, the presentinvention provides a direct heat-sensitive recording method using alight-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording material-in which are layeredon a support a heat-sensitive recording layer and at least onelight-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layer, which have heatrecording sensitivities higher than a heat recording sensitivity of theheat-sensitive recording layer and which are fixed by electromagneticwaves of respectively different wavelengths, each layer of thelight-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording material developing to arespectively different color, comprising: a step of deactivatingimagewise each of the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layerscorresponding to respective colors by modulating light amounts ofelectromagnetic waves having respectively different wavelengths andilluminating the electromagnetic waves onto the light-fixing-typeheat-sensitive recording layer; and a step of developing theheat-sensitive recording layer imagewise and developing undeactivatedportions of the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layer byapplying to the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording material heatenergy needed to develop the heat-sensitive recording layer.

16. The heat amount of the heat energy applied to the light-fixing-typeheat-sensitive recording material may be modulated on the basis of heatenergy which is less than the minimum heat energy needed to develop theheat-sensitive recording layer and which can develop thelight-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layer.

17. The present invention also provides a direct heat-sensitiverecording device using a light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recordingmaterial in which are layered on a support a heat-sensitive recordinglayer and at least one light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layer,which have heat recording sensitivities higher than a heat recordingsensitivity of the heat-sensitive recording layer and which are fixed byelectromagnetic waves of respectively different wavelengths, each layerof the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording material developing toa respectively different color, comprising: exposing means fordeactivating imagewise each of the light-fixing-type heat-sensitiverecording layers corresponding to respective colors by modulating lightamounts of electromagnetic waves having respectively differentwavelengths and illuminating the electromagnetic waves onto thelight-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layer; and heat recordingmeans for developing the heat-sensitive recording layer imagewise anddeveloping undeactivated portions of the light-fixing-typeheat-sensitive recording layer by applying to the light-fixing-typeheat-sensitive recording material heat energy needed to develop theheat-sensitive recording layer.

18. The heat amount of the heat energy applied to the light-fixing-typeheat-sensitive recording material may be modulated on the basis of heatenergy which is less than the minimum heat energy needed to develop theheat-sensitive recording layer and which can develop thelight-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layer.

19. The exposing means may comprise: a fluorescent tube; filtersseparating light from the fluorescent tube into the electromagneticwaves having respectively different wavelengths; and a plurality oflight-emitting portions which are arranged linearly in a main scanningdirection for each of the filters.

20. The exposing means may comprise a plurality of fluorescent substancelight-emitting elements which are arranged linearly in a main scanningdirection for each of the electromagnetic waves having respectivelydifferent wavelengths.

21. The exposing means may comprise a plurality of LED light-emittingelements which are arranged linearly in a main scanning direction foreach of the electromagnetic waves having respectively differentwavelengths. The exposing means may comprise: laser light-emittingelements which modulate a laser beam in accordance with recordinginformation; and an optical system which scans a modulated laser beamonto the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording material.

22. The exposing means may comprise a linear-light-emitting means and aline control element. The line control element may be a liquid crystalmatrix. Or, the line control element may be an active semiconductordevice having a plurality of mirrors which can be displaced or candeflect electromagnetic waves and which are arranged linearly in a mainscanning direction.

23. In the direct heat-sensitive recording method, first, each of thelight-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layers is deactivatedimagewise, in accordance with the recording information, by the amountsof light of the electromagnetic waves having respectively differentwavelengths being modulated and the electromagnetic waves beingilluminated onto the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recordingmaterial. Thereafter, an amount of heat needed to develop theheat-sensitive recording layer is applied. Here, if necessary, theamount of heat may be modulated on the basis of heat energy, which isless than the minimum heat energy needed to develop the heat-sensitiverecording layer and which is able to develop the light-fixing-typeheat-sensitive recording layers. The light-fixing-type heat-sensitiverecording layers and the heat-sensitive recording layer can thereby bedeveloped at one time. As a result, there is no need to convey therecording material reversely or provide a plurality of heat recordingmeans. High speed recording of an image onto a recording material ismade possible by a compact and inexpensive device.

24. Further, the direct heat-sensitive recording device includesexposing means for deactivating imagewise each of the light-fixing-typeheat-sensitive recording layers corresponding to respective colors bymodulating light amounts of electromagnetic waves having respectivelydifferent wavelengths and illuminating the electromagnetic waves ontothe light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording material; and heatrecording means for developing the heat-sensitive recording layerimagewise and developing undeactivated portions of the light-fixing-typeheat-sensitive recording layers by applying to the light-fixing-typeheat-sensitive recording material heat energy whose heat amount has beenmodulated on the basis of heat energy, which is less than the minimumheat energy needed to develop the heat-sensitive recording layer andwhich can develop the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layers.Light-fixing of the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layersand color formation of the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recordinglayers and the heat-sensitive recording layer can be carried out by thelight-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording material being conveyed onetime.

25. The structure of the direct heat-sensitive recording device, whoseexposing means is structured by a fluorescent tube, a filter, and aplurality of light-emitting portions, is simple, and expensive parts arenot required. Therefore, the device is less expensive.

26. In the direct heat-sensitive recording device whose exposing meansis fluorescent substance light-emitting elements, a light source can beprovided for each electromagnetic wave, and a sufficient amount ofemitted light can be obtained. Therefore, an image can be recorded ontoa recording material at an even higher speed.

27. In the direct heat-sensitive recording device whose exposing meansis LED light-emitting elements, a sufficient amount of emitted light canbe obtained, an image can be recorded onto a recording material at highspeed, and the exposing means can be made compact. Therefore, the devicecan be made more compact.

28. In the direct heat-sensitive recording device whose exposing meansis formed by a laser light-emitting element and an optical system, it ispossible to carry out scanning by a thin laser beam. Therefore, a highresolution can be obtained.

29. In the direct heat-sensitive recording device whose exposing meansis formed by a linear-light-emitting means and a line control element,the driving of the line control element is controlled in accordance withrecording information, so that the number of scans is small. Therefore,the exposure time can be shortened.

30. Further, in the direct heat-sensitive recording device in which theline control element is a liquid crystal matrix, the line controlelement can be driven by a low voltage and low electric power.

31. Moreover, in a direct-heat-sensitive recording device in which theline control element is an active semiconductor device having aplurality of mirrors, mirrors which are disposed at minute intervals andwhich have high reflectivity and high aperture ratios are driven.Therefore, the energy efficiency can be increased, and a high resolutioncan be obtained.

32. In a direct heat-sensitive recording device whose heat recordingmeans is a thermal head whose energization time is controllable andwhich has a plurality of heat-emitting elements arranged linearly in amain scanning direction, by controlling the energization time, theamount of heat is easily modulated so as to develop the heat-sensitiverecording layer and the undeactivated portions of the light-fixing-typeheat-sensitive recording layers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

33.FIG. 1 is a schematic structural view of an image recording devicerelating to a first embodiment of the present invention.

34.FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of a layer structure ofa recording material.

35.FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating heat recording characteristics of therecording material.

36.FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining heat control at the device of FIG.1.

37.FIG. 5 is a plan view of a fluorescent tube print head portion ofFIG. 1.

38.FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining light amount control of the deviceof FIG. 1.

39.FIG. 7 is a time chart of recording processes using the device ofFIG. 1.

40.FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams for explaining recording processes usingthe device of FIG. 1.

41.FIG. 9 is a schematic structural view of an image recording devicerelating to a second embodiment of the present invention.

42.FIG. 10 is a plan view of a fluorescent print head portion of FIG. 9.

43.FIG. 11 is a time chart of recording processes using the device ofFIG. 9.

44.FIG. 12 is a schematic structural view of an image recording devicerelating to a third embodiment of the present invention.

45.FIG. 13 is a schematic structural view of an image recording devicerelating to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

46.FIG. 14 is a schematic structural view of an image recording devicerelating to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

47.FIG. 15 is a plan view of a line control means of FIG. 14.

48.FIG. 16 is a schematic structural view of an image recording devicerelating to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

49.FIG. 17 is a plan view of a line control means of FIG. 16.

50.FIG. 18 is a schematic structural view of a conventional imagerecording device.

51.FIG. 19 is a time chart of recording processes using the device ofFIG. 18.

52.FIGS. 20A through 20E are diagrams for explaining recording processesusing the device of FIG. 18.

53.FIG. 21 is a schematic structural view of a conventional imagerecording device.

54.FIG. 22 is a time chart of recording processes using the device ofFIG. 21.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

55. Preferred embodiments of the direct heat-sensitive recording methodand device relating to the present invention will be describedhereinafter with reference to the drawings.

56.FIG. 1 is a schematic structural view of a direct heat-sensitiverecording device relating to a first embodiment of the presentinvention. The direct heat-sensitive recording device (“recordingdevice”) 31 includes, as main structural members, guide rollers 35 forguiding to a recording section a light-fixing-type heat-sensitiverecording material (“recording material”) 33, a heat recording means(thermal head) 37 and a platen roller 39 provided at the recordingsection, a pinch roller 41 and a capstan roller 43 which convey therecording material 33 in the forward direction, and an exposing means (afluorescent tube print head) 45 provided between the thermal head 37 andthe guide rollers 35.

57. Hereinafter, the recording material 33 used in the recording device31 will be described.

58.FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of a layer structure ofthe recording material 33. In the recording material 33, a cyanheat-sensitive recording layer 49, a magenta heat-sensitive recordinglayer 51, a yellow heat-sensitive recording layer 53, and aheat-resistant protective layer 55 are successively layered on a support47.

59. The cyan heat-sensitive recording layer 49 includes, as maincomponents thereof, an electron-donating dye precursor and anelectron-accepting compound. When heated, the cyan heat-sensitiverecording layer 49 is developed such that the cyan color thereof isformed.

60. The magenta heat-sensitive recording layer 51 includes a diazoniumsalt compound having a maximum absorption wavelength of around 365 nm,and a coupler which thermally reacts with the diazonium salt compound toform the magenta color. When ultraviolet light in a vicinity of 365 nmis illuminated onto the magenta heat-sensitive recording layer 51, thediazonium salt compound photodissociates and the color forming abilityis lost in accordance with the amount of light.

61. The yellow heat-sensitive recording layer 53 includes a diazoniumsalt compound having a maximum absorption wavelength of around 420 nm,and a coupler which thermally reacts with the diazonium salt compound toform the yellow color. When ultraviolet light in a vicinity of 420 nm isilluminated onto the yellow heat-sensitive recording layer 53, thediazonium salt compound photodisassociates and the color forming abilityis lost in accordance with the amount of the light.

62.FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating the heat recording characteristics ofthe recording material. Heat energy on the horizontal axis expresses theheat energy generated from a heat-generating element. The heat energyfor color formation of the yellow heat-sensitive recording layer 53 isset to be the lowest, whereas the heat energy for color formation of thecyan heat-sensitive recording layer 49 is set to be the highest. It ispreferable that the cyan heat-sensitive recording layer 49 does notdevelop at the amount of heat at which the yellow heat-sensitiverecording layer 53 or the magenta heat-sensitive recording layer 51develops. In the present embodiment, the amount of heat at which theyellow heat-sensitive recording layer 53 develops and the amount of heatat which the magenta heat-sensitive recording layer 51 develops may benear one another or may be the same.

63.FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining heat control at the device ofFIG. 1. In the thermal head 37, a plurality of heat-emitting elementssuch as are known are arrayed in a line in the main scanning direction.

64. When the gradation of the image of the cyan heat-sensitive recordinglayer 49 (the third color) is zero, in order for the thermal head 37 todevelop the image of the yellow heat-sensitive recording layer 53 (thefirst color) and the image of the magenta heat-sensitive recording layer51 (the second color), the thermal head 37 is controlled, by modulationof the energization time, to supply to the recording material 33 anamount of heat which is less than the minimum amount of heat required toform at least the third color and which enables formation of the firstcolor and the second color.

65. Further, in cases in which the gradation of the third color is otherthan zero, the thermal head 37 is controlled by modulation of theenergizing time in accordance with the recording information of thethird color. The degree of color formation is controlled from agradation of 1 to a gradation of 255 by supplying to the recordingmaterial 33 an amount of heat, e.g., 80 mJ/mm² to 120 mJ/mm², which ismore than the minimum amount of heat required for formation of the thirdcolor and which is increased in a stepwise manner.

66.FIG. 5 is a plan view of the fluorescent tube print head portion ofFIG. 1, and FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining light amount control atthe device of FIG. 1.

67. The fluorescent tube used in the fluorescent tube print head 45emits light by illuminating an electron beam or ultraviolet light onto afluorescent substance. In the fluorescent tube, a plurality oflight-emitting portions 57 are arrayed in two lines in the main scanningdirection. The light-emitting portion 57 which is one pixel of thefluorescent tube corresponds to one dot of the fluorescent tube printhead 45.

68. Examples of the electron beam emitting type fluorescent tube includea CRT (cathode ray tube), an FED (field emission display) (including anSED (surface-conduction electron emitters display)), and a VFD (vacuumfluorescent device). Examples of the ultraviolet light emitting typefluorescent tube include a fluorescent display tube (thermoelectronemitting tube) and a PDP (plasma display panel). An example of the FEDis the structure disclosed in “Nikkei Electronics”, No. 678 (1996), page14, FIG. 2. An example of the fluorescent display tube is the structuredisclosed in “Nikkei Electronics”, No. 675 (1996), pp. 21-22.

69. The light spot size of the light-emitting portion 57 corresponds to150 dpi. The main scanning direction pitch is set to about 170 μ, andthe subscanning direction length is set to about 200 μ. The amount oflight of the light-emitting portion 57 is controlled by controlling thelight-emitting time. By varying the light-emitting time to 256 differenttypes within a range of 5 mJ/mm² to 20 mJ/mm², light recording at 256gradations is possible.

70. Further, the light-emitting portions 57 provided in two rows arearranged so as to be staggered such that there are no blank spacesbetween the dots. Filters 59 a, 59 b through which electromagnetic waves(ultraviolet rays) of different wavelengths (365 nm, 420 nm) pass areprovided at the rows of the light-emitting portions 57, respectively.

71. Next, the processes of the direct heat-sensitive recording methodusing the recording device 31 will be explained on the basis of FIGS. 7and 8. FIG. 7 is a time chart of the recording processes using thedevice of FIG. 1, and FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the recordingprocesses using the device of FIG. 1.

72. First, the recording material 33 is supplied toward the fluorescenttube print head 45 from the guide roller 35 side. The fluorescent tubeprint head 45 simultaneously emits ultraviolet light of 365 nm and 420nm to the recording material 33 in accordance with the recordinginformation. The reversal image portions of the yellow heat-sensitiverecording layer 53 and the magenta heat-sensitive recording layer 51 arethus light-fixed (deactivated) as non-developing portions 53 a, 51 a,and image portions are deactivated in accordance with gradations of eachcolor. In this way, the yellow heat-sensitive recording layer 53 and themagenta heat-sensitive recording layer 51 remain as undeveloped portions53 b, 51 b whose image portions can be heat-sensitive-developed inaccordance with recording information.

73. When the recording material 33, in which the undeveloped portions 53b, 51 b remain, reaches the thermal head 37, the undeveloped portions 53b, 51 b are this time heat-sensitive-developed by the thermal head 37.

74. When the cyan heat-sensitive recording layer 49 is at azero-gradation portion, the thermal head 37 applies to the recordingmaterial 33 an amount of heat which is less than the minimum amount ofheat needed to develop the cyan heat-sensitive recording layer 49 andwhich can develop the yellow heat-sensitive recording layer 53 and themagenta heat-sensitive recording layer 51. The undeveloped portions 53b, 51 b of the yellow heat-sensitive recording layer 53 and the magentaheat-sensitive recording layer 51 are thus developed.

75. When the cyan heat-sensitive recording layer 49 is at a portionother than a zero-gradation portion, the amount of heat needed todevelop the cyan heat-sensitive recording layer 49 is supplied inaccordance with the recording information. The undeveloped portions 53b, 51 b of the yellow heat-sensitive recording layer 53 and the magentaheat-sensitive recording layer 51 are developed, and simultaneously, aheat recording 60 is formed on the cyan heat-sensitive recording layer49.

76. Due to the above-described processes, recording of the independentthree colors, i.e., full color recording, is completed.

77. In accordance with the image recording method using the recordingdevice 31, the non-developing portions 51 a, 51 b of the yellowheat-sensitive recording layer 53 and the magenta heat-sensitiverecording layer 51 are first light-fixed by the fluorescent tube printhead 45. Therefore, the respective heat-sensitive recording layers 53,51, 49 can be heat-sensitive-developed at one time. As a result, thereis no need to convey the recording material 33 reversely or provide aplurality of thermal heads or the like. High-speed recording of imagesonto a recording material is made possible by a compact and inexpensivedevice.

78. Because the recording material 33 is conveyed one time, it isdifficult for the recording material 33 to be damaged or for portions ofthe recording material 33 to not develop due to dirt or the likeadhering thereto. It is also difficult for shifts in registration tooccur.

79. Further, as compared with a case in which a plurality of thermalheads are provided, the space between the pinch roller 41 and therecording head 45 can be made small. Therefore, the blank space beforethe start of recording can be made small.

80. Next, an image recording device in accordance with anotherembodiment whose exposing means is structured differently than that ofthe above-described recording device 31 will be described. Members whichare the same as those illustrated in FIG. 1 are denoted by the samereference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

81.FIG. 9 is a schematic structural view of an image recording device 61relating to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is aplan view of a fluorescent print head portion of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is atime chart of recording processes using the device of FIG. 9.

82. In the exposing means of the image recording device 61, fluorescentprint heads 67 a, 67 b, in which a plurality of fluorescent substancelight-emitting elements 65 are disposed in a line in the main scanningdirection, are provided side by side for ultraviolet light ofwavelengths of 365 nm and 420 nm. The emission of light from therespective fluorescent substance light-emitting elements 65 iscontrolled in accordance with the recording information.

83. In accordance with the image recording device 61, the fluorescentprint heads 67 a, 67 b directly emit light at ultraviolet lightwavelengths of 365 nm and 420 nm, and the fluorescent substancelight-emitting elements 65 are arranged in two rows at each of thefluorescent print heads 67 a, 67 b. Therefore, a sufficient amount ofemitted light can be obtained. When actual recording was carried out byusing the same recording material 33, as compared with theabove-described recording device 31, the recording time could beshortened from 70 seconds to 50 seconds. Therefore, recording could becarried out at an even higher speed.

84.FIG. 12 is a schematic structural view of an image recording device71 relating to a third embodiment of the present invention.

85. In the exposing means of the image recording device 71, LED lineheads 73 a, 73 b, in which a plurality of LED light-emitting elementsare disposed in a line in the main scanning direction, are provided sideby side for ultraviolet light of wavelengths of 365 nm and 420 nm. Theemission of light from the respective LED light-emitting elements iscontrolled in accordance with the recording information.

86. In accordance with the image recording device 71, because the LEDlight-emitting elements directly emit light, a sufficient amount ofemitted light can be obtained. In the same way as the image recordingdevice 61 of the second embodiment, the exposure time can be shortened,and high-speed recording is made possible. Further, by using the LEDline heads 73 a, 73 b, the device can be made more compact.

87.FIG. 13 is a schematic structural view of an image recording device81 relating to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Theexposing means of the image recording device 81 is formed by two laserlight-emitting elements 83 a, 83 b which emit ultraviolet light ofwavelengths of 365 nm and 420 nm, and an optical system 85 which scansthe laser beam onto the recording material 33.

88. The intensity of the light emitted from the laser light-emittingelements 83 a, 83 b can be modulated in accordance with recordinginformation by a modulating means (not shown). A polygon mirror 85 a, anfθ lens 85 b, and a mirror 85 c are disposed in that order in theoptical system 85, such that the laser beam modulated in accordance withthe recording information can be scanned onto the recording material 33.

89. In accordance with the image recording device 81, image formationcan be carried out by using a thin laser beam. Therefore, a highresolution can be obtained.

90.FIG. 14 is a schematic structural view of an image recording device91 relating to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is aplan view of a line control means of FIG. 14.

91. The exposing means of the image recording device 91 is formed by alinear-light-emitting means (a fluorescent lamp) 93, filters 95 a, 95 bthrough which ultraviolet light of wavelengths of 365 nm and 420 nmpasses, and a line control means (a liquid crystal matrix) 97 disposedbetween the filters 95 a, 95 b and the recording material 33.

92. The liquid crystal matrix 97 selectively transmits or blocks thelight from the fluorescent lamp 93, and the non-developing portions 51a, 53 a are light-fixed to the yellow heat-sensitive recording layer 53and the magenta heat-sensitive recording layer 51 in accordance with therecording information.

93. In accordance with the image recording device 91, the line controlmeans can be operated by low voltage and a low amount of electricalpower.

94.FIG. 16 is a schematic structural view of an image recording device101 relating to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 isa plan view of a line control means of FIG. 16.

95. The exposing means of the image recording device 101 is formed by alinear-light-emitting means (a fluorescent lamp) 103, a light-blockingplate 105 disposed between the fluorescent lamp 103 and the recordingmaterial 33, filters 107 a, 107 b which are provided at the two slitopenings in the light-blocking plate 105 and through which ultravioletlight of wavelengths of 365 nm and 420 nm is transmitted, a lens 109disposed between the light-blocking plate 105 and the fluorescent lamp103, and a line control means (a mirror device) 111 disposed between thelens 109 and the fluorescent lamp 103.

96. The mirror device 111 is an active semiconductor device having aplurality of mirrors which can deflect light and which are arrangedlinearly in the main scanning direction. A “deformable mirror device(DMD)” manufactured by Texas Instruments Co. can be used for the mirrordevice 111. Or, the mirror device may be a structure in which thesubstantial amount of reflected light is modulated by displacement andnot by deflection such as by a DMD. A plurality of mirrors 111 acorresponding to one dot are arranged in two rows at the mirror device111. The angles of reflection of the individual mirrors 111 a can bechanged in accordance with the recording information.

97. In the image recording device 101, the individual mirrors 111 a ofthe mirror device 111 are driven on the basis of the recordinginformation. The light from the fluorescent lamp 103 passes through therespective filters 107 a, 107 b and is illuminated onto the recordingmaterial 33 so that the non-developing portions 51 a, 53 a arelight-fixed.

98. The image recording device 101 uses the mirror device 111 which hasa high reflectance and a high aperture ratio, and in which the mirrors111 a are disposed with a minute gap therebetween. Therefore, highenergy efficiency can be obtained.

99. In the above-described embodiments, a TA-method color directheat-sensitive medium is used for the recording material 33. However,the direct heat-sensitive recording method and device of the presentinvention are not limited to color images. Namely, monochrome recordingis also possible by the same type of device structure if a diazophotosensitive type heat-sensitive medium (Copiart manufactured by FujiPhoto Film Co., Ltd.) is used.

100. By changing the hues formed from the respective layers, therelationship between the colors of the layers which are light fixableand those which are not can be changed.

101. More specifically, the following two recording materials may beused in addition to the recording material (hereinafter, “firstrecording material”) having a layer structure in which a cyanheat-sensitive recording layer (an ordinary heat-sensitive recordinglayer), a magenta heat-sensitive recording layer (a light-fixing-typeheat-sensitive recording layer), a yellow heat-sensitive recording layer(a light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layer), and aheat-resistant protective layer are layered successively on a substrate:a recording material (hereinafter, “second recording material”) having alayer structure in which a yellow heat-sensitive recording layer (anordinary heat-sensitive recording layer), a cyan heat-sensitiverecording layer (a light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layer), amagenta heat-sensitive recording layer (a light-fixing-typeheat-sensitive recording layer), and a heat-resistant protective layerare layered successively on a substrate; and a recording material(hereinafter, “third recording material”) having a layer structure inwhich a yellow heat-sensitive recording layer (an ordinaryheat-sensitive recording layer), a magenta heat-sensitive recordinglayer (a light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layer), a cyanheat-sensitive recording layer (a light-fixing-type heat-sensitiverecording layer), and a heat-resistant protective layer are layeredsuccessively on a substrate.

102. By layering the yellow heat-sensitive recording layer at the bottomlayer as in the second recording material and the third recordingmaterial, images in which graininess is not conspicuous in particularwhen highlights are recorded can be obtained.

103. The heat recording sensitivities of the respective layers formingthe recording materials are designed such that, at the heat recordingcharacteristic of the first recording material illustrated in FIG. 3, inthe second recording material, the magenta heat-sensitive recordinglayer is recorded at low heat energy, the cyan heat-sensitive recordinglayer is recorded at medium heat energy, and the yellow heat-sensitiverecording layer is recorded at high heat energy. Further, in the thirdrecording material, the heat recording sensitivities are designed suchthat the cyan heat-sensitive recording layer is recorded at low heatenergy, the magenta heat-sensitive recording layer is recorded at mediumheat energy, and the yellow heat-sensitive recording layer is recordedat high heat energy.

104. Further, a material which is substantially insensitive to theamount of exposure and the wavelength of the light used in the imagerecording of the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layers canbe used for the material for color formation of the heat-sensitive layerof the lowest sensitivity in the present invention. The material may belight-fixable with respect to other wavelengths or different amounts ofexposure.

105. Hereinafter, preparation of light-fixing-type heat-sensitiverecording materials (the first, second and third recording materials)which are applied to the present invention will be described. Thespectral fixing sensitivities of the light-fixing-type heat-sensitiverecording layers forming the first recording material are selected suchthat the main photosensitive wavelength of the yellow heat-sensitiverecording layer is 420 nm and the main photosensitive wavelength of themagenta heat-sensitive recording layer is 365 nm. The cyanheat-sensitive recording layer is insensitive to light. The spectralfixing sensitivities of the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recordinglayers forming the second recording material are selected such that themain photosensitive wavelength of the magenta heat-sensitive recordinglayer is 420 nm and the main photosensitive wavelength of the cyanheat-sensitive recording layer is 365 nm. The yellow heat-sensitiverecording layer is insensitive to light. The spectral fixingsensitivities of the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layersforming the third recording material are selected such that the mainphotosensitive wavelength of the cyan heat-sensitive recording layer is420 nm and the main photosensitive wavelength of the magentaheat-sensitive recording layer is 365 nm. The yellow heat-sensitiverecording layer is insensitive to light. The respectivelight-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording materials are prepared asfollows.

First Recording Material

106. 1. Preparation and Application of Cyan Layer Suspension

107. 1-A. Preparation of Capsules for Cyan Layer

108. A mixed solution of 30 g of ethyl acetate, 8.0 g of the leuco dyeof following Formula (1), 8 g of Millionate MR-200 (trade name, producedby Japan Polyurethane Co., Ltd.), and 15 g of Takenate D110N (tradename, produced by Takeda Chemical Industries, Ltd.) was added to a mixedaqueous solution of 60 g of phthalic acid-treated gelatin (8%), 2 g ofsodium dodecylbenzensulfonate (10%), and 50 g of water. The resultantmixture was emulsified by a homogenizer manufactured by Nippon SeikiCo., Ltd. Thereafter, 1 g of diethylenetriamine was added, a reactiontook place for 3 hours at 50° C., and a capsule suspension having anaverage particle diameter of 1.2 μm was obtained.

109. 1-B. Preparation of Developer Emulsion for Cyan Layer

110. A mixture of 15 g of the developer of following Formula (2), 11 gof phthalic acid-treated gelatin (8%) 30 g of water, and 2 g of sodiumdodecylbenzensulfonate (10%) was dispersed by a ball mill for 10 hours.After dispersion, 15 g of lime-treated gelatin (15%) was added, and anemulsion having an average particle diameter of 0.7 μm was obtained.

111. 1-C. Preparation and Application of Application Suspension for CyanLayer

112. An application suspension was prepared by adding 25 g of thecapsule suspension for the cyan layer, 100 g of the developer emulsionfor the cyan layer, and 50 g of lime-treated gelatin (15%). Theapplication suspension was applied onto a polyethylene-laminated supportfor photography which contained TiO₂, such that the dried layerthickness of the application suspension was 7 μm.

113. 2. Application of the Gelatin Intermediate Layer (Cyan-MagentaIntermediate Layer)

114. 2-A. A mixture was prepared, was applied onto the support ontowhich the cyan layer had already been applied, and was allowed to dry,such that the lime-treated gelatin solid content was 3 g/M², the sodiumdodecylbenzensulfonate was 0.002 g/m², and the polyvinylpyrrolidone was0.17 g/m².

115. 3. Preparation and Application of Magenta Layer Suspension

116. 3-A. Preparation of Capsules for Magenta Layer

117. 3.5 g of the compound of following Formula (3), 5.3 g of diphenylphthalate, 8 g of Takenate D-110N (trade name, manufactured by TakedaChemical Industries, Ltd.), and 20 g of ethyl acetate were mixed anddissolved. This mixture was added to a mixed solution of 70 g of 8%phthalic acid-treated gelatin and 70 g of water. The resultant mixturewas homogenized and emulsified by an ace homogenizer manufactured byNippon Seiki Co., Ltd., and thereafter was allowed to react for 3 hoursat 40° C. so that 0.40 μm capsules were prepared.

118. 3-B. Preparation of Coupler Emulsion for Magenta Layer

119. A solution, in which was dissolved 40 g of ethyl acetate, 10 g ofthe compound of following Formula (4), 16 g of triphenyl guanidine, 16 gof the compound of following Formula (5), 8 g of the compound offollowing Formula (6), 3 g of tricresyl phosphate, and 5 g of sodiumdodecylbenzensulfonate, was added to a mixed solution of 200 g oflime-treated, ion-exchange-treated gelatin (15%) and 180 g of water. Theresultant mixture was emulsified by a mixer for household use, and anemulsion having an average particle size of 0.6 μm was obtained.

120. 3-C. Preparation and Application of Application Suspension forMagenta Layer

121. 10 g of the capsules for the magenta layer and 30 g of the coupleremulsion for the magenta layer were mixed together. This mixture wasapplied, so as to become 6.0 g/m² at the dried layer thickness, onto asupport to which the cyan layer and the gelatin intermediate layer hadalready been applied.

122. 4. Application of Gelatin Intermediate Layer (Magenta-YellowIntermediate Layer)

123. The gelatin intermediate layer (cyan-magenta intermediate layer),which was obtained in the above-described “Application of GelatinIntermediate Layer (Cyan-Magenta Intermediate Layer)”, was applied underthe same conditions to the support to which the cyan layer and thegelatin intermediate layer and the magenta layer had already beenapplied.

124. 5. Preparation and Application of Yellow Layer Suspension

125. 5-A. Preparation of Capsules for Yellow Layer

126. A capsule suspension of an average particle size of 0.40 μm wasobtained in the same way as the capsules for the magenta layer, whichwere obtained by the above-described “Preparation of Capsules forMagenta Layer”, except that 4 g of following Formula (7) was used inplace of the 3.5 g of the compound of Formula (3).

127. 5-B. Preparation of Coupler Emulsion for Yellow Layer

128. An emulsion of an average particle size of 0.6 μm was obtained inthe same way as the coupler emulsion for the magenta layer, which wasobtained by the above-described “Preparation of Coupler Emulsion forMagenta Layer”, except that 10 g of following Formula (8) was used inplace of the 10 g of the compound of Formula (4).

129. 5-C. Preparation and Application of Application Suspension forYellow Layer

130. 10 g of the capsules for the yellow layer and 30 g of the coupleremulsion for the yellow layer were mixed together. This mixture wasapplied, so as to be 5.5 g/m² at a dried layer thickness, onto thesupport to which the cyan layer and the gelatin intermediate layer andthe magenta layer and the gelatin intermediate layer had already beenapplied.

131. 6. Preparation and Application of Protective Layer Suspension

132. A protective layer suspension, in which were mixed 800 g of 10%polyethylene denatured polyvinylalcohol (RS-106 manufactured by KurarayCo., Ltd.), 54 g of a 5% aqueous solution of perfluoroalkyl carboxylate(Megafic F120 manufactured by Dainippon Ink), 70 g of sodium(4-nonylphenoxytrioxyethylene)butylsulfonate (2 %), 40 g of a zincstearate dispersion (20%), and 60 g of a kaolin dispersion (30%) of anaverage particle size of 5 μm, was applied, such that the dried solidcontent thereof was 1.5 g/m², onto the support onto which the cyanlayer, the gelatin intermediate layer, the magenta layer, the gelatinintermediate layer, and the yellow layer had already been applied.

Second Recording Material

133. 1. Preparation and Application of Yellow Layer Suspension

134. 1-A. Preparation of Capsules for Yellow Layer

135. A mixed solution of 30 g of ethyl acetate, 8.0 g of the diazoniumsalt of following Formula (9), 14 g of diisopropyl naphthalene, 2 g ofdibutyl phthalate, and 15 g of Takenate D110N (produced by TakedaChemical Industries, Ltd.) was added to a mixed aqueous solution of 120g of phthalic acid-treated gelatin (8%), 1 g of sodiumdodecylbenzensulfonate (10%), and 50 g of water. The resultant mixturewas emulsified by a homogenizer manufactured by Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd. Areaction took place for 3 hours at 40° C., and a capsule suspensionhaving an average particle diameter of 0.5 μm was obtained.

136. 1-B. Preparation of Coupler Emulsion for Yellow Layer

137. A mixed solution of 50 g of ethyl acetate, 15 g of the coupler offollowing Formula (10), 15 g of triphenyl guanidine, 10 g of thecompound of following Formula (11), 5 g of the compound of followingFormula (12), and 6 g of calcium dodecylbenzensulfonate (70%) was addedto a mixed aqueous solution of 300 g of lime-treated gelatin (15%) and150 g of water. The resultant mixture was emulsified by a homogenizermanufactured by Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd. The ethyl acetate was removedunder reduced pressure, and an emulsion having an average particlediameter of 0.3 μm was obtained.

138. 1-C. Preparation and Application of Application Suspension forYellow Layer

139. 100 g of the capsule suspension for the yellow layer and 350 g ofthe coupler emulsion for the yellow layer were mixed. This mixture wasapplied onto a polyethylene-laminated support for photography whichcontained TiO₂, such that the dried layer thickness was 5.0 μm.

140. 2. Application of the Gelatin Intermediate Layer (Yellow-CyanIntermediate Layer)

141. 2-A. A mixture was prepared, was applied onto the support ontowhich the yellow layer had already been applied, and was allowed to dry,such that the lime-treated gelatin solid content was 3 g/m², the sodiumdodecylbenzensulfonate was 0.002 g/m², the compound of following Formula(13) was 0.15 g/m², and the polyvinylpyrrolidone was 0.17 g/m².

142. 3. Preparation and Application of Cyan Layer Suspension

143. 3-A. Preparation of Capsules for Cyan Layer

144. A mixed solution of 20 g of ethyl acetate, 4 g of the compound ofFormula (13), 6 g of diphenyl phthalate, and 10 g of Takenate D-110N wasadded to a mixed aqueous solution of 70 g of phthalic acid-treatedgelatin (8%) and 6.5 g of water. The resultant mixture was emulsified,and a reaction took place for 3 hours at 40° C. so that a capsulesuspension having an average particle size of 0.38 μm was obtained.

145. 3-B. Preparation of Coupler Emulsion for Cyan Layer

146. A solution, in which was dissolved 45 g of ethyl acetate, 16 g ofthe compound of following Formula (14), 16 g of the compound offollowing Formula (15), 8 g of the compound of following Formula (16), 8g of the compound of following Formula (12), 2 g of tricresyl phosphate,1 g of diethyl maleate, and 5 g of calcium dodecylbenzensulfonate, wasadded to a mixed aqueous solution of 200 g of lime-treated gelatin (15%)and 200 g of water. The resultant mixture was emulsified by theaforementioned homogenizer, the ethyl acetate was removed under reducedpressured, and an emulsion of 0.3 μm was obtained.

147. 3-C. Preparation and Application of Application Suspension for CyanLayer

148. 100 g of the capsule suspension for the cyan layer and 280 g of theemulsion for the cyan layer were mixed together. This mixture wasapplied, so as to become a dried layer thickness of 6.0 g/m², onto asupport to which the yellow layer and the gelatin intermediate layer hadalready been applied.

149. 4. Application of Gelatin Intermediate Layer. (Cyan-MagentaIntermediate Layer)

150. The same composition as the above-described “gelatin intermediatelayer (yellow-cyan intermediate layer)” was applied under the sameconditions to the support to which the yellow layer and the gelatinintermediate layer and the cyan layer had already been applied.

151. 5. Preparation and Application of Magenta Layer Suspension

152. 5-A. Preparation of Capsules for Magenta Layer

153. A capsule suspension of an average particle size of 0.36 μm wasobtained in the same way as the formulation for the preparation ofcapsules for the cyan layer of the above-described “Preparation ofCapsules for Cyan Layer”, except that 4 g of the compound of followingFormula (16) was used in place of the 4 g of the compound of Formula(13).

154. 5-B. Preparation of Coupler Emulsion for Magenta Layer

155. An emulsion of an average particle size of 0.3 μm was obtained inthe same way as in the “Preparation of Coupler Emulsion for Cyan Layer”,except that 16 g of the compound of following Formula (17) was used inplace of the 16 g of the compound of Formula (14).

156. Formula (17)

157. 5-C. Preparation and Application of Application Suspension forMagenta Layer

158. 100 g of the capsule suspension for the magenta layer and 300 g ofthe emulsion for the magenta layer were mixed together. This mixture wasapplied, so as to be a dried layer thickness of 5.5 g/m², onto thesupport to which the yellow layer and the gelatin intermediate layer andthe cyan layer and the gelatin intermediate layer had already beenapplied.

159. 6. Preparation and Application of Protective Layer Suspension

160. A protective layer suspension, in which were mixed 800 g of 10%polyethylene denatured polyvinylalcohol (RS-6 manufactured by KurarayCo., Ltd.), 54 g of a 5% aqueous solution of perfluoroalkyl carboxylate(Megafic F120 manufactured by Dainippon Ink), 70 g of sodium(4-nonylphenoxytrioxyethylene)butylsulfonate (2%), 40 g of a zincstearate dispersion (20%), and 60 g of a kaolin dispersion (30%) of anaverage particle size of 5 μm, was applied, such that the dried solidcontent thereof was 1.5 g/m², onto the support onto which the yellowlayer, the gelatin intermediate layer, the cyan layer, the gelatinintermediate layer, and the magenta layer had already been applied.

Third Recording Material

161. The third recording material was prepared by inverting the order inwhich the cyan layer and the magenta layer were disposed in thepreparation of the second recording material.

What is claimed is:
 1. A direct heat-sensitive recording method using alight-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording material in which are layeredon a support a heat-sensitive recording layer and at least onelight-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layer, which have heatrecording sensitivities higher than a heat recording sensitivity of saidheat-sensitive recording layer and which are fixed by electromagneticwaves of respectively different wavelengths, each layer of saidlight-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording material developing to arespectively different color, comprising: a step of deactivatingimagewise each of said light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layerscorresponding to respective colors by modulating light amounts ofelectromagnetic waves having respectively different wavelengths andilluminating the electromagnetic waves onto said light-fixing-typeheat-sensitive recording layer; and a step of developing saidheat-sensitive recording layer imagewise and developing undeactivatedportions of said light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layer byapplying to said light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording materialheat energy needed to develop said heat-sensitive recording layer.
 2. Adirect heat-sensitive recording method according to claim 1 , whereinthe heat amount of the heat energy applied to said light-fixing-typeheat-sensitive recording material is modulated on the basis of heatenergy which is less than the minimum heat energy needed to develop saidheat-sensitive recording layer and which can develop saidlight-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layer.
 3. A directheat-sensitive recording device using a light-fixing-type heat-sensitiverecording material in which are layered on a support a heat-sensitiverecording layer and at least one light-fixing-type heat-sensitiverecording layer, which have heat recording sensitivities higher than aheat recording sensitivity of said heat-sensitive recording layer andwhich are fixed by electromagnetic waves of respectively differentwavelengths, each layer of said light-fixing-type heat-sensitiverecording material developing to a respectively different color,comprising: exposing means for deactivating imagewise each of saidlight-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layers corresponding torespective colors by modulating light amounts of electromagnetic waveshaving respectively different wavelengths and illuminating theelectromagnetic waves onto said light-fixing-type heat-sensitiverecording layer; and heat recording means for developing saidheat-sensitive recording layer imagewise and developing undeactivatedportions of said light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layer byapplying to said light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording materialheat energy needed to develop said heat-sensitive recording layer.
 4. Adirect heat-sensitive recording device according to claim 3 , whereinthe heat amount of the heat energy applied to said light-fixing-typeheat-sensitive recording material is modulated on the basis of heatenergy which is less than the minimum heat energy needed to develop saidheat-sensitive recording layer and which can develop saidlight-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layer.
 5. A directheat-sensitive recording device according to claim 3 , wherein saidexposing means comprises: a fluorescent tube; filters separating lightfrom said fluorescent tube into the electromagnetic waves havingrespectively different wavelengths; and a plurality of light-emittingportions which are arranged linearly in a main scanning direction foreach of said filters.
 6. A direct heat-sensitive recording deviceaccording to claim 3 , wherein said exposing means comprises a pluralityof fluorescent substance light-emitting elements which are arrangedlinearly in a main scanning direction for each of the electromagneticwaves having respectively different wavelengths.
 7. A directheat-sensitive recording device according to claim 3 , wherein saidexposing means comprises a plurality of LED light-emitting elementswhich are arranged linearly in a main scanning direction for each of theelectromagnetic waves having respectively different wavelengths.
 8. Adirect heat-sensitive recording device according to claim 3 , whereinsaid exposing means comprises: laser light-emitting elements whichmodulate a laser beam in accordance with recording information; and anoptical system which scans a modulated laser beam onto saidlight-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording material.
 9. A directheat-sensitive recording device according to claim 3 , wherein saidexposing means comprises a linear-light-emitting means and a linecontrol element.
 10. A direct heat-sensitive recording device accordingto claim 9 , wherein said line control element is a liquid crystalmatrix.
 11. A direct heat-sensitive recording device according to claim9 , wherein said line control element is an active semiconductor devicehaving a plurality of mirrors which are arranged linearly in a mainscanning direction and which can vary reflection of electromagneticwaves by one of deflecting the electromagnetic waves and displacement ofthe plurality of mirrors.
 12. A direct heat-sensitive recording deviceaccording to claim 4 , wherein said heat recording means is a thermalhead whose energization time is controllable and which has a pluralityof heat-emitting elements arranged linearly in a main scanningdirection. recording of images onto a recording material is madepossible, and the device can be made compact and inexpensive.